We recently connected with Katharine Chestnut and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katharine, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I had a professor while at University and he was fond of saying, ‘do what you love and the money will come’. I never forgot that but found that doing what I loved meant I was happy and more satisfied with my life. Eventually, that translated to knowing that doing what I loved was my purpose and I was able to do it more easily.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Before I took the plunge into entrepreneurship, I spent three decades immersed in the world of strategic marketing planning. Little did I know, those years would lay a strong foundation for my journey into business ownership. Ten years ago, I opened a coworking space, and six years ago, I launched my mindfulness and meditation business. Both ventures reflect a lifelong passion for serving and uplifting others.
Today, I am fully focused on expanding my mindfulness business. I’ve authored five books and created over 70 meditations available on platforms like Insight Timer and YouTube. Yet, my true joy comes from connecting with individuals, especially ambitious career women. This passion inspired me to create the Mindful Life membership a year ago. In this supportive community, women discover they are not alone in their quest for greater balance and tranquility.
Currently, I’m excited to announce a new initiative: a 30-day “choose your own journey” challenge launching in February. This program is designed around the idea that 2025 won’t be any different unless you are. By this time of year, many have already abandoned their New Year’s resolutions, so this challenge invites participants to commit to one (or two) self-loving projects while engaging with others on a similar path. It’s a recipe for profound personal discovery.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Strategic Marketing Expertise: My 30 years in strategic marketing planning provided me with a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and effective communication strategies. This knowledge has likely been crucial in positioning my businesses and attracting clients to my coworking space and mindfulness initiatives.
2. Empathy and Service Orientation: A consistent theme in my journey is my desire to serve and help others. This empathy not only drives my business decisions but also fosters strong connections with clients, particularly the ambitious career women I aim to support. My ability to understand and address their needs enhances the effectiveness of my mindfulness offerings.
3. Content Creation and Engagement Skills: My success in publishing books and creating meditations demonstrates strong content creation skills. Additionally, my focus on engaging directly with people through initiatives like the Mindful Life membership showcases my ability to build community and foster meaningful interactions, which are vital for growth in the wellness industry.
These qualities have undoubtedly contributed to my ability to start and grow my businesses effectively.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The person who has had the most profound impact on my personal growth and development is the late Sue Myers. I met Sue 25 years ago, and she introduced me to a transformative form of mindful journaling, which I later detailed in my first book, *Inner Affirmations* with my own special spin added in. At the time, I was unaware of how much I needed her guidance, but she led me on a journey toward inner wisdom and self-trust that I had been searching for.
Sue’s support was sometimes tough but always insightful, pushing me to confront the aspects of my life that needed change. Through her guidance, I began to cultivate a greater sense of balance and authenticity, allowing me to align my actions with my true self. Her influence has been instrumental in shaping the skills and qualities that have contributed to my success, and I carry her lessons with me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katharinechestnut.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharine.chestnut/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559438947669
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lnal-life-dba-katharine-chestnut/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katharinechestnut7920
- Other: https://insig.ht/pebCEtK8DPb
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.